Cauliflower Planting Guide
Cauliflower is a cool-season brassica that produces dense white, purple, or green heads called curds. It is more finicky than broccoli but rewards with a mild, nutty flavor.
Brassica oleracea var. botrytis · Vegetable · Brassicaceae family · 55–100 days to maturity
Where Can You Grow Cauliflower?
Cauliflower Growing Regions
Click any state to see the Cauliflower planting schedule for that location.
Planting Dates by Zone
| Zone | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Transplant | Harvest |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zone 2a | Apr 18 | May 23 | May 30 | Jul 25 – Sep 26 |
| Zone 2b | Apr 10 | May 15 | May 22 | Jul 17 – Sep 18 |
| Zone 3a | Apr 3 | May 8 | May 15 | Jul 10 – Sep 11 |
| Zone 3b | Mar 29 | May 3 | May 10 | Jul 5 – Sep 6 |
| Zone 4a | Mar 25 | Apr 29 | May 6 | Jul 1 – Sep 2 |
| Zone 4b | Mar 20 | Apr 24 | May 1 | Jun 26 – Aug 28 |
| Zone 5a | Mar 21 | Apr 11 | Apr 25 | Jun 20 – Aug 22 |
| Zone 5b | Mar 14 | Apr 4 | Apr 18 | Jun 13 – Aug 15 |
| Zone 6a | Mar 6 | Mar 27 | Apr 10 | Jun 5 – Aug 7 |
| Zone 6b | Feb 27 | Mar 20 | Apr 3 | May 29 – Jul 31 |
| Zone 7a | Feb 18 | Mar 11 | Mar 25 | May 20 – Jul 22 |
| Zone 7b | Feb 11 | Mar 4 | Mar 18 | May 13 – Jul 15 |
| Zone 8a | Feb 1 | Feb 22 | Mar 8 | May 3 – Jul 5 |
| Zone 8b | Jan 21 | Feb 11 | Feb 25 | Apr 22 – Jun 24 |
| Zone 9a | Jan 13 | Jan 20 | Feb 10 | Apr 7 – Jun 9 |
| Zone 9b | Dec 28 | Jan 4 | Jan 25 | Mar 22 – May 24 |
| Zone 10a | Dec 4 | Dec 11 | Jan 1 | Feb 26 – Apr 30 |
| Zone 10b | Dec 4 | Dec 11 | Jan 1 | Feb 26 – Apr 30 |
Growing Conditions
Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
Water
High — keep soil consistently moist
Soil pH
6 – 7
Hardiness Zones
Zone 2a – 10b
Growing Tips
Start seeds indoors 6 weeks before transplanting. Blanch white varieties by tying outer leaves over the head. Provide consistent moisture and avoid temperature extremes.
Saving Cauliflower Seeds
Recommended for Your Garden
Start seeds indoors with reusable cell trays and humidity domes.
Test your soil pH, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium levels before planting.
Keep your garden organized with durable, weather-resistant plant labels.
Level Up Your Garden
Cauliflower by State
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Alberta
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- British Columbia
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Manitoba
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Brunswick
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- Newfoundland and Labrador
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Northwest Territories
- Nova Scotia
- Nunavut
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Ontario
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Prince Edward Island
- Quebec
- Rhode Island
- Saskatchewan
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
- Yukon
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to grow Cauliflower?
Cauliflower (Brassica oleracea var. botrytis) takes 55 to 100 days from planting to harvest. Exact timing depends on your variety, growing conditions, and USDA zone.
What zones can Cauliflower grow in?
Cauliflower can be grown in USDA zones 2a through 10b. Use the planting calendar above to find the exact dates for your zone.
How much sun does Cauliflower need?
Growing Cauliflower requires Full Sun (6-8+ hours), High — keep soil consistently moist, and soil pH of 6 to 7.